State and local agencies on same page about swine flu

LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - The city partially activated its emergency operations center early Thursday to continue planning for the swine flu just in case it spreads to the South Plains.

Governor Rick Perry held a press conference this Thursday in San Antonio and the city of Lubbock held its first press conference on the swine flu.

State and local officials are all trying to get on the same page about the virus and be proactive instead of reactive. "Not an attempt to put people in a frenzy. The state of Texas is handling this in an appropriate and calm way," said Governor Rick Perry.

On Wednesday, Governor Perry issued a disaster proclamation for the state of Texas. Right here on the South Plains local health officials emphasized the Gov. Perry's message; remain calm. "Right now we have no cases in Lubbock. Some anxiety with people running to see their doctors and to pharmacies to get Tamiflu and antivirals. We really need to be good stewards and save it for when the swine flu hits," says Dr. Ron Cook.

In what's being called a proactive move, the City of Lubbock activated its emergency operations center Thursday to stay ahead of the virus. Dr. Cook says seasonal flu is on the South Plains and has similar symptoms to the swine flu. "If you have swine you're going to have a sudden on set of high fever, muscle aches and feel like you've been run over by a freight train. You'll also have a sore throat, headache and vomiting," adds Dr. Cook.

The City Health Department has tested over 30 individuals from across the South Plains for swine and all results are negative. It takes anywhere from five to six hours to process a swine flu test.

Health officials say the best preventative prescription is washing your hands. Daniel Hilario from the health department reminds us all that there's a right way and a wrong way to wash your hands.

Wet your hands with warm water

Lather both hands with soap

Scrub your hands for at least 15 to 20 seconds washing your wrists, palms, back of hands, fingers and under your fingernails.

Rinse hands completely, point your fingers down and let the water run off your hands.

Dry hands on a clean towel, use the towel to turn off the water and open the door to leave the restroom.

Clinics and hospitals around the country are seeing an increase in the number of "worried well" folks visiting. Greg Bruce with UMC says if you're feeling ill one symptom that will let your body know you need to go to the doctor is a fever of 100 or higher.